MEL'S MEANDERING MASSAGE MIND: HOW DRY NEEDLING "SAVED MY LIFE..." For most of my life I have noticed that my range of motion with my right shoulder isn't quite up to par with my left. My right anterior deltoid has been in contraction for what seems like forever and I get headaches due to muscular tightness in my upper traps. For relief in the past, I have gone to massage therapists, chiropractors and physiotherapists, seeking…
So the theme of April at Whole Therapy is “letting go.” I struggled with coming up with a blog topic to compliment this theme. This past week, however, I came across this article on the web and thought to myself, Eureka! This is my teachable, “letting go” moment! I want to preface by saying that medical imaging technology has developed into something amazing. The amount of stuff we can see without actually cutting into the…
If you have been reading my blog, my goal was to initially complete a series on needling in the profession of physiotherapy. Don’t worry folks, I still plan on completing that series! It’s just on pause for now. I have chosen to stray from my previous plan and look at a common problem that plagues many runners, because as we all know, April showers bring May flowers, and a boat-load of running injuries! Also, my…
Sorry for my absence on Whole Therapy’s social media for all of my devout followers (If you are reading this at all, THANK YOU very much!). I was in Cuba for a WHOLE WEEK vacationing from thinking. I’m back though and ready to educate poison all of your minds! It’s Wednesday and I’ve noticed that I’ve been performing a lot more needling techniques over the last week (with quite a bit of success!). This has…
So you've gone and hurt yourself, huh? You’re a gung-ho weekend warrior with a twinge in your back and aren't sure what to do about it. This isn’t unusual. We get all kinds of people coming through our doors who've injured themselves in brilliant and creative ways. As I sit here compiling this literary masterpiece, a client walks in with back spasms that are causing him visible discomfort. “How’d that happen?” I say. “I was choking on…
Anyone who knows me knows I like inserting my quirky attitude into educational sessions. Here are some of my favourite cheesy phrases. 1. Motion is lotion. Correct, AND it rhymes! Many joint surfaces depend on movement for nutrition. Your articular cartilage, discs and menisci get nourishment indirectly by the movement of synovial fluid. They key word being MOVEMENT. If things remain stagnant, you’re depriving your joints of the much needed nourishment they…
Anyone who knows me knows I am a big believer in staying up-to-date on the most current literature and eating icing on cake. It’s important to know when the scientific community supports the crazy things we get our clients to do in clinic. I think it is also important to stay on top of controversial topics. So prepare yourself for the controversial topic of… ICING! RICE (Rest. Ice. Compression. Elevation) has been perpetuated as the…
So you went over on your ankle. Now, a black and blue softball currently resides where your ankle used to live. It’s painful, swollen, hot and difficult to walk on. When is this going to get better?! This is probably the most frequently asked question I get as a physiotherapist. Generally speaking, a moderate sprain/strain can take upwards of 8+ weeks to resolve. HOLY CRAP! 8 WEEKS?! Yes, 8 weeks, give or take. I cannot…
“Take your time,” I say quietly as I back out of my treatment room and close the door. I head toward the kitchenette to wash my hands, and on my way I observe Bailey and Dr. Damien in lively discussion about neck pain. Bailey sees me and joins me in the kitchen. “So, how was Mrs. Jones?” “Really good, actually,” I reply, “she said it was fine that I talk to you. I was able…